Eastern Machinists Ask For 20% Raise

MIAMI -- Labor talks between Eastern Airlines and the International Association of Machinists began on Monday with union leaders asking for a 20 percent pay raise over two years.

``Being realistic, that`s an opening position,`` said Charles Bryan, president of District 100 of the IAM.

The union`s proposal calls for a 10 percent pay raise for all workers in each year of a two-year contract, Bryan said. By comparison, the company is seeking wage cuts of up to 50 percent over three years for mechanics, baggage handlers and other ground service workers.

Representatives of Eastern and its largest union met for 2 1/2 hours on Monday at a hotel near Miami International Airport to discuss possible changes in the IAM contract. Talks were expected to resume today.

The three-year contract, which covers about 12,000 Eastern workers, is open for amendment Dec. 31. If the two sides do not reach an agreement by then, the present contract remains in force while negotiations continue.

The chances for an early settlement of the contract appeared slim.

``The atmosphere in the meeting itself seemed to be one of confrontation,`` Bryan said. He declined to make any predictions about the talks, however.

Last week, Eastern management proposed wage cuts for all IAM workers spread over three years. The company also proposed a $100 million retraining program for its unskilled workers.

The company has said it needs to reduce labor costs to become profitable.

Bryan declined on Monday to detail the non-wage aspects of the union proposal.

Relations between Eastern and its unions have become increasingly strained during the past year.